Revive, Renew, Rebuild: the Queens Museum of Art's fundraiser for the Rockaways

On Sunday, the Queens Museum of Art hosted an open house fundraiser event for the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance, an organization they chose because, not only has RWA contributed to urgent relief and recovery efforts since Sandy, but “they are smart, committed, and on the Rockaway Peninsula for the long haul.” The theme of the event – “Revive, Renew, Rebuild” – was carried out in creative ways by a collection of artists, businesses, museum professionals, and other community members.

There were plenty of tastefully set-up options for donating money to RWA recovery efforts, and guests were welcome to give any amount, small or large. RWA t-shirts were sold in the lobby, and all museum admissions for the day were contributed to the organization. There was a silent auction with a variety of high-quality donated items from original artwork to Flushing Town Hall tickets to kitchen accessories. Donation jars were also set up on food and drink tables, which included a bar serving Hurricanes, Dark ‘N Stormys, and Longboard beer; and an espresso stand giving out cups printed with names and images of past hurricanes.

The museum also pulled together various ways for attendees to learn more about the Rockaways. A 2010 film called The Bungalows of Rockaway screened in the theater, detailing the history of housing on the peninsula, starting with the tent cities and the first prefabricated bungalows in the early 1900s. Post-Sandy photos of the Rockaways played in a slideshow next to the Panorama of the City of New York, where visitors could also inspect the five boroughs from above, including hurricane-affected areas. There were even old, salvaged Rockaway newspapers on display, so guests could check out historic ads for Playland amusement park.

Another creative feature of the event was the card-making stations set up so that visitors could thank people they know who have contributed to hurricane relief and recovery efforts. Besides being a hands-on activity that went well with the live music in the background, it was a reminder to all of us of the hard work that so many in the area have put in, and a reminder of all that we have to be grateful for.